Three positions available

Two postdoctoral positions and one technical position are available in the
laboratory of Dr. Dean DellaPenna at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.
All positions are available for a minimum of two years, renewable annually.
Salary ranges from $21,000 to 27,000 per year commensurate with skill,
background and productivity. Interested parties should the position of
interest and provide curriculum vitae, reprints, statement of research
experience/goals and arrange to have three letters of reference sent to:
Dr. Dean DellaPenna
Department of Biochemistry/220
University of Nevada
Reno, NV 89557
email della_d at med.unr.edu
The University of Nevada is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.
Postdoctoral Position 1: Plant Cell Wall Proteins
A postdoctoral position is available to study a new class of plant cell
wall proteins, AroGPs (Aromatic Amino Acid Rich GlycoProteins). AroGPs
(formerly called beta-subunit proteins) are a new class of cell wall
proteins characterized by a unique repeating structure, novel
posttranslational modifications and high content of aromatic amino acids
(Plant Cell 4:1147-1156 and 6:1623-1634). AroGPs are structural wall
proteins that have been shown in transgenic experiments to regulate the
activity and/or accessibility of enzymatic proteins to cell wall
substrates. AroGPs are expressed at high levels in tissues rich in pectin
and pectin degrading enzymes. The complete gene family from tomato and
related cDNAs from Arabidopsis have been isolated, sequenced and
characterized and are now being functionally studied. The project involves
studying the expression, localization, and function of individual gene
family members and proteins in both Arabidopsis and tomato. Structural
characterization of the modified amino acids in AroGPs and their effect on
structure/function may also be pursued. Previous experience in molecular
techniques is essential, experience in microscopy or biochemistry would be
helpful but are not essential. The position is available immediately.
Postdoctoral Position 2: Carotenoid biosynthesis
The position will study a variety of aspects of carotenoid synthesis and
function in plants. A molecular genetic approach to study the pathway is
being taken in Arabidopsis and a complementary biochemical/molecular
approach in marigold flowers. Multiple mutations defining key biosynthetic
steps in Arabidopsis, particularly those involved in lutein synthesis, have
been identified and well characterized (Pogson et al.; Cunningham et al. in
press, Sept. Plant Cell). cDNAs for most biosynthetic steps of the pathway
in plants are also available. These molecular tools and single/ double
mutants and will be used in transgenic and molecular genetic approaches to
manipulate the production of specific carotenoids and modify flux through
the pathway in order to address biosynthetic, regulatory and functional
questions. Previous experience in plant molecular biology, biochemistry,
carotenoid biosynthesis, or functional and structural aspects of
photosystem characterization is helpful. The position is available after
January 1, 1997.
Technical Position: Plant Transformation
A full time technical position in plant transformation is available.
Previous experience in plant transformation, especially Agrobacterium
mediated both in tissue culture and in planta, is required. Target
organisms include tomato, tobacco, Arabidopsis and marigold. The
successful applicant will perform some constructions and analysis and be
the central person responsible for all plant transformations in the
laboratory. As such, enthusiasm, organizational skills, independence,
evidence of previous productivity and a willingness to interact with
multiple researchers are essential. The position is available after
January 1, 1997 for up to four years.
Dean DellaPenna
Department of Biochemistry/220
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada 89557-0014
phone 702-784-1918
FAX 702-784-1650
email della_d at med.unr.edu